New Delhi: Clashes broke out between two communities in Northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri following a Hanuman Jayanti procession on Saturday, police said.
According to officers, stones were pelted in the area and the situation was tense. Several officers have been deployed in the area and the injured persons, including police officers, have been taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital.
As news of the violence broke out, Home Minister Amit Shah who is also responsible for law and order in the national capital, and under whom the Delhi Police is, told the police force to take appropriate action to control the violence.
Delhi Police’s Commissioner Rakesh Asthana put out a statement saying that the situation was under control and that an adequate additional force had been deployed to control the situation in Jahangirpuri. He further said that officers had been asked to remain in the field to supervise the law and order situation.
“Strict action will be taken against rioters. Citizens are requested to not to pay heed to rumours and fake news on social media.”
Strict action will be taken against rioters.
Citizens are requested to not to pay heed to rumours and fake news on social media. (2/2)#Jahangirpuri
— CP Delhi #DilKiPolice (@CPDelhi) April 16, 2022
Visuals from Jahangirpuri during the Hanuman Jayanti procession show fire breaking out and people running away amid heavy stone pelting and people waving swords.
“Appeal to all people- Keep peace by holding each other’s hand”, he said.
The CM further tweeted: Spoke to Hon’ble LG. He assured that all steps are being taken to ensure peace and that the guilty will not be spared.
Spoke to Hon’ble LG. He assured that all steps are being taken to ensure peace and that guilty will not be spared. https://t.co/AMXEatbsub
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 16, 2022
Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police, Law & Order who was at the scene of the violence in protective gear said he was trying to create an environment of peace by holding talks with peace committees.
“We request people residing in Jahangirpuri to stay calm, an adequate police force is here to control the situation. Two groups went into a scuffle during a procession. We are investigating the matter”, he further said.
Delhi | We request people residing in Jahangirpuri to stay calm, adequate police force is here to control the situation. Two groups went into a scuffle during a procession. We are investigating the matter: Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police, Law & Order pic.twitter.com/U4z5uvfqfR
— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2022